Rep. Annette Glenn, R-Midland, Wednesday said she is disappointed that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer vetoed legislation that would have provided tax relief to families in Bay and Midland counties devastated by COVID-19 and severe flooding after the Edenville Dam failure.

Glenn said the property tax flexibility legislation won overwhelming bipartisan support in the Legislature, including unanimous support in the House. The plan would have allowed residential or business property owners hurt by flooding or the state’s COVID-19 economic shutdown more time to pay this year’s summer property taxes if needed.

“I regret that Gov. Whitmer rejected legislation that would’ve provided much-needed tax relief for our friends, family members, business owners, and neighbors who are facing unprecedented economic hardship,” Glenn said. “With unanimous support in the state House of Representatives, I didn’t think the governor would need to be reminded how challenging 2020 has been for families in Bay and Midland counties.”

Under the plan, property owners who filed affidavits of hardship would have had until March 2021 to pay their summer taxes. Interest and penalties on delinquent summer property taxes would not have started accruing until Spring 2021.

“As lawmakers, it’s our duty to step up for our community and provide support when emergencies like this happen, however possible,” Glenn said. “The House and Senate passed a solid, reasonable plan with overwhelmingly bipartisan, near-unanimous support. Sadly, with the stroke of her pen, the governor denied flood and virus victims in Bay and Midland counties, and virus victims statewide, this badly needed relief.”

Glenn said while the governor claims the state Department of Treasury has already developed administration solutions for the repayment of outstanding income, sales and use taxes, “it’s clear people are hurting and need more.”

“Our friends and families are hurting every day,” Glenn said, “worried how they’re going to put food on the table because they’ve been laid off for months. Many are concerned about their livelihoods because their jobs or businesses have been wiped away by the flooding. To reject this proposal, which received strong support from House and Senate Republicans and Democrats alike, is difficult to understand.”

Glenn said despite the veto, she’s determined to keep fighting for Michiganders everywhere.

“My efforts to help people in need aren’t over,” Glenn said. “Our families deserve better, and I’ll continue working with my colleagues in both parties to find additional solutions.”